Police "psychics" have abysmal success rates

[sarahmichigan]

I posted this in another LJ in the comments, as part of a discussion about science and "other ways of knowing".

http://www.csicop.org/si/2005-07/i-files.html

excerpt:
As these cases and profiles indicate, psychics do not solve crimes or locate missing persons—unless they employ the same non-mystical techniques as real detectives: obtaining and assessing factual information, receiving tips, and so on, even sometimes getting lucky. In addition to the technique of "retrofitting," psychics may shrewdly study local newspaper files and area maps, glean information from family members or others associated with a tragedy, and even impersonate police and reportedly attempt to bribe detectives (Nickell 1994).

Comments

[matt-arnold.livejournal.com]

Link to the discussion?

[sarahmichigan.livejournal.com]

Here it is. I'm sure I don't need to say this, but if you comment there, please keep it civil. I'd feel bad if it turned into a contentious debate since that wasn't the original poster's intent.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/ladyteal/801114.html